THE demolition of one of Wodonga’s most distinctive bridges has begun. The deck of the timber suspension bridge across House Creek was cut away on Thursday as part of a project to install a new crossing. The existing span, which is just south of the Melbourne Road traffic bridge, had been deemed a safety risk by Wodonga Council. In November last year, the council awarded a contract to Yackandandah bridge builder Nelmac to erect a brand new bridge at a cost of $193,000. Temporary fencing was erected at the start of this week around the bridge and footpath which runs underneath it, adjacent to House Creek. Decking on the structure was cut up and removed yesterday before the end pylons were pulled down. It is anticipated the site will be cleared of the remains of the bridge by early next week. That will allow for the installation of the new 32-metre long steel bridge which has been prefabricated at Nelmac’s factory. The single span, which was completed 1½ weeks ago, will be trucked into Wodonga and is expected to be bolted into place mid next week. The crossing point is then likely to be reopened to pedestrians and cyclists by the end of the month. Unlike the suspension bridge, which is less than 25 years old, the new crossing will be lower in profile and provide greater deck rigidity and stability. Nelmac beat five other companies for the replacement job with what was the lowest tender. The highest was $304,956. While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from The Border Mail? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Border and North East news, visit our homepage and sign up.

Wodonga's suspension bridge across House Creek, parallel to Melbourne Road, is being pulled down due to safety concerns

Coming down: Workers remove the decking on the suspension bridge which is being replaced because of safety concerns. The new prefabricated span is expected to be installed next week. Pictures: MARK JESSER

THE demolition of one of Wodonga’s most distinctive bridges has begun.

The deck of the timber suspension bridge across House Creek was cut away on Thursday as part of a project to install a new crossing.

The existing span, which is just south of the Melbourne Road traffic bridge, had been deemed a safety risk by Wodonga Council.

In November last year, the council awarded a contract to Yackandandah bridge builder Nelmac to erect a brand new bridge at a cost of $193,000.

Closed zone: Fencing has been erected around the timber suspension bridge across Wodonga's House Creek while it is being demolished.

Temporary fencing was erected at the start of this week around the bridge and footpath which runs underneath it, adjacent to House Creek.

Decking on the structure was cut up and removed yesterday before the end pylons were pulled down.

It is anticipated the site will be cleared of the remains of the bridge by early next week.

Going, going: The bridge over House Creek which was a landmark alongside Melbourne Road in Wodonga for decades. A footpath ran underneath it.

That will allow for the installation of the new 32-metre long steel bridge which has been prefabricated at Nelmac’s factory.

Point of no return: The western end to what was the suspension bridge after the removal of the pylon on Thursday afternoon.

The single span, which was completed 1½ weeks ago, will be trucked into Wodonga and is expected to be bolted into place mid next week.

The crossing point is then likely to be reopened to pedestrians and cyclists by the end of the month.

Unlike the suspension bridge, which is less than 25 years old, the new crossing will be lower in profile and provide greater deck rigidity and stability.

Nelmac beat five other companies for the replacement job with what was the lowest tender.

The highest was $304,956.

While you’re with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to your inbox each day at 6am from The Border Mail? To make sure you’re up to date with all the Border and North East news, visit our homepage and sign up.